adam.dorsey writes: If the Department of Homeland Security gets its way, you will be required to pass a background check in order to leave or enter the United States via airliner or cruise ship. The actual proposal can be found here. (Warning: PDF file)

From the bill:"Alternatively, air carriers may adopt, in conjunction with CBP, APIS Quick Query (AQQ) — a system thatallows the carriers to vet passengers individually during the check-in process. These changes will enhance the ability of CBP and other law enforcement agencies to plan and coordinate a more effective response to intercept high-risk individuals before boarding aircraft and before vessels depart."..."These proposed changes would further enhance the government's capability to counter terrorist threats to the United States, the carrier industry, and theinternational traveling public by increasing that capability to a level necessary to meet more fully the protective purpose of the statutory requirements of section 115 of the Aviation Transportation Security Act, the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Further background on the purpose and need may be found in the preamble to this proposed rule." (emphasis mine.)